I'm thankful we are not given the chance to pick who our family members, because back then I would have probably asked for a exchange or a refund; that screaming bundle of a baby was not what I had in mind for a new sister. But I would have missed so much. Your crazy ideas, your talent for making up new words, your desire to serve God, your love for others, your determination, and all the childhood memories that make me smile. You have taught me so much over the years.

I can't wait to see where God takes you to see how he uses you, to see what adventures lay ahead. But at the same time I can't help but feel a tinge of sadness, though it is only the kind of sadness that ones feels when they realize that life has changed, the kind of sadness that is often mixed with excitement for what is to come. Our adventures in the woods are over, our dress-up close are too small and we have out grown our childhood games (well most of them anyway) and all that is left is a pile of memories but there are other adventures that lay ahead and I can't wait to see what they are.

I am so proud of your hard work and your determination, and am looking forward to seeing what God has planed for you.

I love you.

P.S. You better start calling me more often starting September, or I'll turn into the butcher's wife on Fiddler on the Roof and haunt you in your sleep.

Today while at work, I had a bit of time to kill before I had to be at my next assignment so I checked out some of the photos that had been filed that day. Most of them were Canadian Press photos filed from all over from all kinds of events, boxing, beauty queens, basketball, hockey, world events. But I couldn't help but notice the number of photos submitted that were taken during pro/anti coalition rallies across the country. I don't think I can name a time that I remember Canadians being this vocal about anything. It was exciting to see! For once we are not just shrugging it off and simply shaking our heads are our crazy politicians. We are standing up and saying "No" or in some cases "Yes."

Well done Mr. Dion, and Mr. Layton.

In the years since I graduated from high school I lost something... my imagination. When I look back at the stories I wrote in high school they where creative, and imaginative. And now when I am in the mood to write its about politics or life or something boring. I can't seem to create stories like I used. For some reason when I try to put all common sense aside and just write something that came straight out of my head... I come up with nothing but blank pages.

Perhaps its just a natural transition from child to adult, but I feel as though I have lost a dear friend, that some how through the passing of time and the business of life got left behind. Something that I loved is gone and I want it back.